Sporting Device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for a sporting device. The sporting device has a foot plate supported by a central plate. Below the foot plate is a central body with a void, and the central plate fits within the void. The central plate can rotate relative to the central body allowing the foot plate to rotate. A user can use the device to allow and increase the rotation of the foot during a swing.

PRIORITY

The present invention claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62/839,856 filed Apr. 29, 2019, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for using a sporting device when training or playing various sports.

Description of Related Art

Many sports such as golf or baseball require applying a torque and rotating a foot. As an example, when striking a golf ball the user's back foot should rotate upon swinging. There is a need for a device which can be used during training or play to assist with the foot rotation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a sporting device in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a sporting device in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a foot plate in one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a central body in one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a base in one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a central cover in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a sporting device in one embodiment. The sporting device 100 can be used in virtually any sport wherein a foot needs to be rotated during play. The sporting device 100 can be used as a training tool to assist the user in understanding, measuring, and/or controlling the degree of foot rotation. While it can be used during training, the sporting device 100 can also be used during play. Further, while embodiments will be discussed in reference to golf and baseball, this is for illustrative purposes only. This device can be utilized in other sports such as cricket, football, etc.

FIG. 1 shows a foot plate 101 which is slightly suspended relative to the central cover 103. These parts will be described in more detail below herein.

The size and dimensions of the device 100 can vary depending upon the application. In some embodiments the foot plate 101 is sized to fit a single foot. Furthermore, the materials of the device 100 can also vary. The device can comprise metal, plastics, rubber, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a sporting device in one embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of assembly allowing the foot plate 101 to rotate relative to the central body 102. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other various tools, parts, etc. can be used to accomplish the goal of having a rotatable foot plate 101.

At the top of the device is the foot plate 101. The foot plate 101 rotates relative to the device 100. As will be described in more detail below, the rotating foot plate 101 reduces friction compared to a foot pivoting on the ground. Because of this reduced friction, the foot is allowed to pivot and rotate, allowing a more open swing. Golfers, as an example, should open their hips when they swing. The back foot should pivot to allow this to happen. Unfortunately, many golfers do not open their hips and the swing suffers. By reducing the friction on the foot plate 101, the momentum of a swing forces the foot to pivot and allow the hip to correctly open. The same is true for a baseball swing. By reducing the friction at the foot plate 101, the user is trained to rotate.

Turning briefly to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a foot plate in one embodiment. The foot plate 101 can comprise virtually any shape. As depicted the foot plate 101 is circular which allows for easy rotation. The foot plate 101 can comprise features, such as friction knubs 109, which extend outwardly beyond the generally planar face of the foot plate 101. The friction knubs 109 provide for increased grip, allowing the foot to grip the foot plate 101. In one embodiment the foot plate 101 comprises rubber or other material which provides for increased grip. In one embodiment the foot plate 101 raises slightly above the beneath cover 103 so as to freely rotate with reduced friction.

Turning back to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, located beneath the foot plate 101 is the intermediate plate 105. The intermediate plate 105 rests within a void of the central cover 103. As shown the intermediate plate 105 is circular and has an internal void to allow the ball bearings and axis 110 to pass. The intermediate plate 105 raises the foot plate 101 and provides a surface which can support the weight of the foot plate 101 and the user's foot. In one embodiment the intermediate part 105 rotates freely with the foot plate 101.

As noted, the intermediate part 105 fits within a central void in the central cover 103. Turning briefly to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a central cover in one embodiment. As can be seen, the central cover 103, the intermediate plate 105, and the ball bearing lock 107, discussed in more detail below, are concentric as depicted. In one embodiment, they are approximately co-planar. In other embodiments, the intermediate plate 105 is slightly raised compared to the surrounding central cover 103.

The cover 103 serves the purpose of covering the central portion 102, described below. It can provide a more refined finish compared to the central portion 102.

Turning back to FIG. 2, beneath the cover 103 is the central body 102. The central body 102 is shown in FIG. 4. The central body 102 is a stationary body which includes an internal cavity or void. The internal cavity is filled with a central plate 104. The central plate 104 rotates relative to the stationary central body 102. The central plate 104 also comprises a central internal void. As depicted, the internal void in the central plate 104 is circular. Inside the void of the central plate 104 is an axis 110. This is the axis around which the central plate 104 can rotate. The axis 110 can comprise any shape or device which allows the central plate 104 to rotate. In one embodiment, and as depicted, the axis 110 comprises a cylindrical body which is coupled along its periphery to the external central plate 104 via ball bearings 106. Ball bearings 106 reduce friction between two bodies and allow them to rotate relative to one another. Thus, in one embodiment the axis 110 is stationary or fixed, and the ball bearings 106 allow the central plate 104 to rotate relative to the axis 110. As an example, when weight is applied to the central plate 104, the central plate 104 will be able to rotate about the axis 110.

As shown, the central plate 104 is located in an internal, circular cavity of the central body 102. In one embodiment, the central body 102 comprises one or more blocks 111 which protrude inwardly into the central void. The blocks 111 coincide with an outer void 112 of the central plate 104. The outer void 112 is located along the periphery of the central plate 104. The blocks 111 extend within the outer void 112 and control the degrees of rotation. The longer the outer void 112, the greater the degrees of rotation before the plate 104 encounters a block 111. As can be seen in FIG. 4, if the plate 104 is rotated 45 degrees in either direction, the plate 104 will encounter the block 111, and the block 111 will prevent any further rotation. If the length of the outer void 112 is increased, the allowed degree rotation is increased. The possible degrees of rotational freedom can vary from one degree to 359 degrees. In one embodiment the device allows 45 degrees. In other embodiment the device allows between 15 and 90 degrees. In other embodiments the device allows between 30 and 180 degrees. Different applications will require varying degrees of rotational freedom. In one embodiment the central plate 104 is interchangeable and can be replaced with a central plate 104 of different outer void lengths 112. As an example, if a user wants to increase the rotational freedom, the user can replace the central plate 104 with a new central plate 104 having an increased outer void length 112.

While the embodiment depicted shows two blocks 111, this is for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments a single block 111 is used, whereas in other embodiments, more than two blocks 111 are used. Further, while one embodiment has been depicted wherein the void is located on the inner central plate 104 and the blocks 111 extend outward, the inverse is also utilized in certain embodiments. In such embodiments the blocks 111 extend outwardly from the central plate 104 and the void allowing passage of the block is located on the interior periphery of the central body 102.

As shown the central body 102, and the device 100, comprise a handle 113 for easy carrying. The device 100 can have other features for hanging, storing, etc.

Returning back to FIG. 2, depicted below the central body 102 is the ball bearing assembly 106. As noted, the ball bearing assembly 106 reduces friction and provides rotation between two parts. The ball bearing assembly 106 includes locking ends 107 which ensures the ball bearings stay within the assembly 106.

Located below the central body 102 is the base 108. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a base in one embodiment. The base provides a flat, generally planar, surface upon which the rest of the device 100 can sit. As shown the base comprises coupling holes 114 which allow the various components to be secured to one another via screws, bolts, or the like. Thus, the base 108 can be coupled to the central body 102 and the cover 103 via the coupling holes 114. Likewise, the ball bearing assembly 106, including the locks can be coupled to the base 108.

The base can comprise features such as spikes, cleats, etc. to help grip into the ground. In other embodiments, the base simply rests upon the ground.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention.

-   Clause 1. A sporting device comprising:     -   a foot plate supported by a central plate;     -   a central body with a void, wherein said central plate fits         within said void;     -   wherein said central plate can rotate relative to said central         body. -   Clause 2. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     wherein said central plate comprises an outer void, and wherein said     central body comprises at least one block which extends inward and     aligns with said outer void. -   Clause 3. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     wherein said at least one block restricts rotation of said central     plate. -   Clause 4. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     wherein said central plate comprises a rotational degree of freedom     of between about 20 degrees and about 180 degrees. -   Clause 5. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     wherein said central plate comprises a rotational degree of freedom     of between about 15 degrees and about 90 degrees. -   Clause 6. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     wherein said central body comprises an internal periphery void     adjacent to said central plate, and wherein said central plate     comprises at least one block which extends outward and aligns with     said internal periphery void. -   Clause 7. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     further comprising ball bearings which allow rotation of said     central plate relative to said central body. -   Clause 8. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     further comprising an intermediate plate located below said foot     plate and above said central late. -   Clause 9. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     further comprising a cover located above said central body and below     said foot plate, and wherein said cover comprises an internal void,     and wherein said intermediate plate fits within said internal void. -   Clause 10. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     further comprising a cover located above said central body and below     said foot plate. -   Clause 11. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     wherein said foot plate comprises friction knubs. -   Clause 12. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     further comprising a base located beneath said central body. -   Clause 13. The sporting device of any proceeding or preceding claim     further comprising:     -   ball bearings which allow rotation of said central plate         relative to said central body;     -   an intermediate plate located below said foot plate and above         said central plate;     -   a cover located above said central body and below said foot         plate; and     -   a base located beneath said central body. 

1. A sporting device comprising: a foot plate supported by a central plate; a central body with a void, wherein said central plate fits within said void and rotates relative to said central body; ball bearings or a ball bearing assembly to allow rotation of said central plate relative to said central body; and; at least one block to limit the rotational freedom of the central plate less than 360 degrees.
 2. The sporting device of claim 1 wherein said central plate comprises an outer void, and wherein said central body comprises at least one block which extends inward and aligns with said outer void.
 3. The sporting device of claim 2 wherein said at least one block restricts rotation of said central plate.
 4. The sporting device of claim 1 wherein said central plate comprises a rotational degree of freedom of between about 20 degrees and about 180 degrees.
 5. The sporting device of claim 1 wherein said central plate comprises a rotational degree of freedom of between about 15 degrees and about 90 degrees.
 6. The sporting device of claim 1 wherein said central body comprises an internal periphery void adjacent to said central plate, and wherein said central plate comprises at least one block which extends outward and aligns with said internal periphery void.
 7. (canceled)
 8. The sporting device of claim 1 further comprising an intermediate plate located below said foot plate and above said central late plate.
 9. The sporting device of claim 8 further comprising a cover located above said central body and below said foot plate, and wherein said cover comprises an internal void, and wherein said intermediate plate fits within said internal void.
 10. The sporting device of claim 1 further comprising a cover located above said central body and below said foot plate.
 11. The sporting device of claim 1 wherein said foot plate comprises friction knubs.
 12. The sporting device of claim 1 further comprising a base located beneath said central body.
 13. The sporting device of claim 1 further comprising: ball bearings which allow rotation of said central plate relative to said central body; an intermediate plate located below said foot plate and above said central plate; a cover located above said central body and below said foot plate; and a base located beneath said central body. 